How to make an amazing iced espresso

Even the hot weather can't ward off your need for caffeine. But what's an espresso lover to do? Not to worry - epresso is just as delicious served cold or iced. 

Here are some tips on making the perfect iced espresso and some recipes to get your started so you can cool off on hot summer days.

Start with the Perfect Espresso Shot

Whether you make your espresso with a high end manual machine, superautomatic or moka stovetop, the important thing is making sure it is the best espresso you can make.  A chef will tell you the quality of a dish depends primarily on starting with best and freshest ingredients. The same philosophy applies here. The quality and freshness of the espresso beans you use for your coffee is of outmost importance.

On the Rocks

Ever pour a drink into a glass of ice, just to watch the ice blink out of existence? Enjoying a drink with ice is not the same as enjoying an iced drink. While you may first attempt to pour your hot espresso shot directly into a glass of ice, the resulting lukewarm drink - sans ice - won't satisfy.

Here are a few options to enjoying your cold iced espresso the right away.

1. Make several shots of espresso, place in a container (preferably glass as to not compromise the taste), and keep the container in the fridge. This way you will have cold espresso on hand before you make your cold espresso drinks.

2. Pour espresso in ice trays and freeze.  The iced espresso cubes are perfect for adding into iced drinks. This will ensure your iced coffee drinks don't become watery and diluted.

3. The espresso cubes are also perfect for putting into your blender so you can make an iced espresso granita (shaved ice) or blended coffee drinks.

Flavored Iced Espresso

For the pure espresso experience, coffee beans may be all you need. But on a hot day, sometimes experimentation with flavor is the way to go!

Here are some additions you can try with your iced espresso.

• Sugar or syrup

For those with a sweet tooth or sudden craving, adding sugar or syrup to your iced espresso can give it that extra kick you need. 

• Caramel sauce

Sugar alone not doing it for you? Add a delicious new taste with caramel sauce instead. Again, be sure to add before any cold milk or ice cubes for a more consistent incorporation.

• Blackberry, strawberry, vanilla, raspberry syrup

Feeling more adventurous? Try a lesser-used syrup for a different take.

• Coconut milk

With a slightly nutty flavor, coconut milk could provide that refreshing, silky drink you need. 

Recipes

The Shakerato

This is a popular espresso based drink in Italy. The Shakerato is perfect to serve on hot summer days or nights. It is often enjoyed after dinner, but really anytime is fine.

Ingredients:
30ml Baileys
1 teaspoon sugar
1 shot of espresso (chilled)
½ cup of ice

Utensils:
Martini glass
30ml shot glass for measuring
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer
Stirrerd

Method:
1. Fill the shaker with ice to prepare for your Iced Coffee Cocktail! 
2. Add a short black (or a shot of espresso)
3. Add 30ml Baileys and 1 teaspoon of sugar
4. Cover the shaker – and shake mixing it together really well for around a minute
5. Remove the cover and put the strainer over the top, before pouring the contents into a martini glass 

The Iced Mocha

This is a decadent drink but so worth it.  The chocolate enhances the taste of the espresso and together they create a blissful marriage. This a great drink to serve in the summer.  Your friends will be impressed. 

Ingredients:
1.5 cups cold espresso
2 cups milk
1/4 cups Torani Chocolate Syrup
Sugar to taste 
Whip cream - optional 

Utensils:
Ice cube trays
Blender

Method:
1. Fill the ice cube trays with sweetened espresso. Freeze overnight until solid
2. In a blender, combine coffee ice cubs, milk, chocolate syrup
3. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses.  Add a few extra iced espresso cubes so  you can sip it slowly and it will stay nice and cold. 

Top with whip cream. It's summer! Splurge! 

Always Experiment

Don't be afraid to try different things when it comes to iced espresso. In fact, "iced" is already a variation on the classic espresso. 

The important route is to create an enjoyable drink to get you through the day. As long as you love your creation, that's all that matters.

If you are looking for any espresso equipment or syrups, contact us.